When it comes to support organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, there are a number people whom have been helped over the years. At the same time, there are others such as Charlie Sheen whom suggest AA is a cult which ruins lives by controlling members, families and friends. In the case of the actor, Sheen suggest the cult ruined and stole twenty two years of life through false accusations and failed attempts in helping the actor overcome an addiction to alcohol and other substances.
In some cases, the people think Sheen is overreacting and that calling the organization a cult is a reach. Whereas, the actor is not the first to make such claims. For, as far back as the 1940s, sociologists were infiltrating the organization to prove whether such claims were true or false.
Authors, reporters and researchers have all tried to answer the question as to whether there are cultish aspects to the organization. In fact, the question dates back to the early 40s when a local author reposed the question in an article which appeared in the California Sociiologist.
In the case of the two sociologists, neither had ever had an issue with drugs or alcohol though attended meetings, went to social gatherings and followed all aspects of the programs. From the recognition of a generic higher power to completing the twelve steps to sobriety, the sociologists acted as members throughout the study.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
For, even prior to the existing group, the original organization, The Oxford Group had far less control over the actions and beliefs of members than the current Alcoholics Anonymous has over present members. In addition, while a focus on a generic higher power is required, the past group seems to have worked more towards helping members overcome addictions than provide a required belief system or brainwashing members into believing in the same way.
Unlike the negative self-image being promoted by requiring members to vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to one another in a public forum, the earlier group provided one-on-one counseling. Whereas, while there are now sponsors whom members can contact for support, most of these individuals lack the education or knowledge to accurately counsel individuals beyond explaining why having a drink might not be such a good idea.
In some cases, the people think Sheen is overreacting and that calling the organization a cult is a reach. Whereas, the actor is not the first to make such claims. For, as far back as the 1940s, sociologists were infiltrating the organization to prove whether such claims were true or false.
Authors, reporters and researchers have all tried to answer the question as to whether there are cultish aspects to the organization. In fact, the question dates back to the early 40s when a local author reposed the question in an article which appeared in the California Sociiologist.
In the case of the two sociologists, neither had ever had an issue with drugs or alcohol though attended meetings, went to social gatherings and followed all aspects of the programs. From the recognition of a generic higher power to completing the twelve steps to sobriety, the sociologists acted as members throughout the study.
In more than one case, researchers and sociologist have determined that due to the methods of brainwashing used in the program, it is in fact a cult. For, any organization which demands an individual or members follow a specific path without regard for individual choice is often considered brainwashing. Whereas, as brainwashing is the universal act in most cults around the world, the researchers contend that AA is in alignment with such practices.
While the suggestion that Alcoholics Anonymous is a cult that has ruined the lives of thousands of people is compelling, there are a number of past and present members whom would disagree. Still, the actor is not the first to make such claims. In fact, there are also current and past-members whom have been suggesting the organization is a cult for over 70 years.
For, even prior to the existing group, the original organization, The Oxford Group had far less control over the actions and beliefs of members than the current Alcoholics Anonymous has over present members. In addition, while a focus on a generic higher power is required, the past group seems to have worked more towards helping members overcome addictions than provide a required belief system or brainwashing members into believing in the same way.
Unlike the negative self-image being promoted by requiring members to vocalize weaknesses and short-comings to one another in a public forum, the earlier group provided one-on-one counseling. Whereas, while there are now sponsors whom members can contact for support, most of these individuals lack the education or knowledge to accurately counsel individuals beyond explaining why having a drink might not be such a good idea.
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